Tree stand and climbing devices

ABSTRACT

A tree stand and/or climbing device of multiple designs preferably using industrial machinery style belts to provide maximum strength and gripping power. The belts are preferably made of tough rubber compounds and inlaid with various high strength fibers and other materials. The belts preferably have a uniform teeth pattern, which provide flexibility and allow the belt to conform to uneven surfaces on a tree. The teeth and flexible nature of the industrial belts provide a way for securing the belts and adjusting the length for a wide-range of tree diameters. Dual or multiple belt or fastening device designs allow individuals to climb past limbs or other obstacles and maneuver around forks in trees. The belts used are very quiet, light in weight, and will not reflect light. In combination with the locking devices, the stands and climbing devices provide simple methods of adjusting belt or fastening device length and securing the climbing devices to the structure to be climbed. The stand also provides a combination of features including a variety of seats which ensure comfort. One such seating style is a foldable seat, triangular in design, that allows maximum comfort. The climbing devices may include foot and/or hand grips or straps to assist the individual in climbing and may include one or more seats if desired. The stands and climbing devices are portable thus being able to be carried like a backpack with the use of comfortable back straps. This feature will allow individuals to be able to hike to the designated area having one or both hands free. Climbing steps may be attached to a tree or pole structure to serve as hand grips and/or foot rests during climbing. Such climbing steps comprise at least one fastening device or belt and at least one locking device configured so that an individual may use each step as a foot support and/or hand grip. The stand also concerns a slip-lock locking device which may be used with any of the fastening devices (e.g., cables, bands, straps, blades, rods, bars, belts, chains, etc.) to fasten or attach climbing or step devices to a tree, pole or other structure.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/117,863, filed Jan. 29, 1999, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a removable, portable stand and climbing stepsfor temporary or permanent attachment to a tree to obtain an observationpoint at a desired height for use while hunting, wildlife photography,and observation and the like. This invention allows an individual toclimb a wide range of tree diameters from small to very large, includingtrees with branches that would typically be obstacles when climbingtrees with currently available tree stands.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are presently a wide variety of devices for climbing trees andpoles which are commercially available. All of these devices areattached and/or supported about the tree or pole by means of straps,rods, bars, or blades. All of these devices have a number ofdisadvantages. Many of these stands cause considerable damage to thetrees to which they are attached due to the sharp blades or barkpenetrating spikes affixed to the tree engaging edges. Another majordisadvantage is the required manipulation of nuts, bolts, and/or knobsnecessary to attach and remove these devices. Such manipulations areconsistently difficult, time consuming and noisy. More importantly, suchstands cannot be adjusted for tree taper as the user ascends anddescends the tree or pole. This lack of adjustment causes verticalslippage of the tree engaging edges and causes these devices to tiltdownward in an unsafe manner. Another disadvantage that can arise withmost conventional climbing tree stands is that the tree must have ingeneral a diameter of between 6 to 24 inches. Traditionally, most bladestyle climbing stands are limited to diameters ranging between 8 to 20inches. Some other stands such as steel strap, cable, or chain styledesigns will adjust to a slightly smaller or larger diameter such as 6to 24 inches. Trees below 6 inches and larger than 24 inches in diameterare very difficult if not impossible to climb. Thus trees such as amature white oak, that produces acorns, a favorite forage food forwildlife such as deer and turkey, are virtually impossible to climbbecause of the larger diameter of the girth of the tree.

Other factors to consider are the straightness and the height that thetree stand can reach due to limbs or forks in the trees which formobstacles for traditional tree stands. Trees that have limbs or forks atlower levels create problems for the hunter, wildlife observer, orphotographer. The field of view is reduced greatly from a lower vantagepoint due to existing brush, smaller trees, etc. Also, the lowerobservation point greatly increases an animal's awareness of theindividual and could possibly alert the animal, by either sight orsmell, and spoil the opportunity for a closer appearance of the animal.

Thus, individuals having traditional climbing style tree standsgenerally have to avoid the above mentioned style trees and climb astraight tree of certain diameter that has no limbs or forks up to thedesired height of observation. This greatly reduces the number of treeswhich may be climbed and makes the individual select another site or atree that may not be as preferred. For example, difficult to climb treessuch as oak trees, apple trees or other trees having forks or lowbranches may prevent an individual from locating their tree stand nextto trails and water holes typically frequented by animals such as deer,antelope, moose and the like.

The present invention provides some greatly improved designs amongportable tree stands and climbing devices, thus eliminating the problemsmentioned above. The stand of the invention may be a single stand whichmay be positioned in a tree at a desired elevation by any meansincluding the use of commercially available portable ladders, climbingbelts, climbing boots, ropes, spikes, etc. or can be positioned in thetree manually. In a preferred aspect, an upper and lower standcombination is used. The upper stand in such dual design is typicallyused as the climber (which enables a person to climb the tree) and thelower stand functions as the main platform for wildlife observation oncethe desired height is reached. In a preferred aspect, the upper stand orclimber may comprise one or more seats allowing one or more individualsto sit once the main platform is in place. Examples of dual stands aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,240 to Cotton issued Jun. 1, 1976; U.S.Pat. No. 4,316,526 to Amacker issued Feb. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.4,331,216 to Amacker issued May 25, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,645 toUniz issued Nov. 29, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,338 to Uniz issued Jun.5, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,447 to Gibson et al issued Feb. 23, 1984;U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,662 to Porter issued Sep. 4, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.4,969,538 to Amacker issued Nov. 13, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,925to Walker.

The present invention enables an individual to safely climb most treesincluding both small and large diameter trees. The invention alsoenables the individual to climb past limbs or to climb forked treessafely. Thus, the invention provides a means to climb any tree to aheight above the canopy thus providing an advantage of concealment orcamouflage. By being above the limbs, the individual is hidden bynatural vegetation such as limbs and leaves. This allows the hunter,observer, or wildlife photographer to move more easily without alertingthe animal of the individual's presence.

The preferred stand of the invention comprises a load-supportingstructure or platform and at least one belt (preferably two, three,four, five or more belts) which are used to hold the load-supportingstructure or platform in a fixed position in a tree or other structure.The belt(s) may be attached or fastened to the platform directly orindirectly. Direct attachment may involve connecting the belt with oneor more attachment devices (such as bolts, screws, glue, bonding cement,wires, etc.) to the platform, but preferably involves connecting thebelt with at least one locking device which is attached to the platform.Indirect attachment may involve connection of the belt to one or moresupports (such as pipes, rods, tubes, etc.) which are attached to theplatform. Preferably, such belt or belts are flexible enough to conformto the tree as weight is applied downward on the load-supportingstructure or platform from the individual. As weight is lifted, the beltor belts release their grip from the tree allowing vertical movement upor down the tree.

To climb using the dual stand design, the climber and main platform(where the individual's feet typically rest) work together in unison.When the individual's weight is shifted to the main platform, thisallows the climber to be moved or repositioned. The climber is moved upto ascend the tree or down when descending the tree. Weight or force isthen applied downward to the climber by the individual thus locking theclimber into place. This allows the main platform to be raised orlowered by shifting the weight from the main platform to the climber.The stand can now be raised or lowered by the simple method of theindividual tilting his or her feet, which are secured to the main stand(e.g., with one or more foot traps). Such action disengages the mainplatform so that it may be moved or repositioned up or down the tree.Once positioned in the desired location, weight or force is applied tothe platform (preferably by the individual standing on the platform)thereby allowing the main platform to reengage the tree. This procedureis repeated any number of times to ascend or descend the tree. In thedual stand design, the climber and main platform or both may comprisethe one or more belts of the invention. In another aspect, the climberand stand may be operably connected.

In a preferred aspect, two belts or more (e.g. two, three, four, five ormore) are used to allow safe movement around limbs, or to climb a forkedtree. Preferably, one belt is unfastened while the second holds thestand secure. Then the first belt may be positioned over or above thefork or limb and then refastened to the stand. The belt below the limbor fork may then be moved while the belt above the limb or fork holdsthe stand secure to the tree. To climb down a tree having limb or forkobstacles, the process is reversed. Thus, the invention provides asecure, safe procedure to climb past limbs on trees or forked trees. Inthis aspect of the invention, multiple belts, chains, cables, bands,straps, ropes or combinations thereof may be used, although the use oftwo belts is preferred. Again, the multiple fastening devices (e.g.belts, chains, etc.) may be contained on the climber, the main platformor both. Examples of using bands, chains and cables in stands may befound in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,890,694, 5,588,499, 5,097,925 and 5,234,076.

Any one or more belts or belt combinations may be used includingV-belts, belts with teeth, ribs, grooves or notches or any industrialmachine belts used to drive pulleys for industrial equipment,automobiles or trucks. Such teeth, grooves, ribs, notches and the likemay be positioned substantially vertical or perpendicular on the beltand may be located on one, both or all sides of the belt. The width,thickness and general design of the belts may vary depending on the needor availability. For example, the cross section of the belt may have asquare, rectangular, oval, circular, or triangular appearance or mayhave a pentagon, hexagon, septagon, octagon, etc. shape. The compositionof the belt may be any material or combination of materials such asleather, polymers, plastic, rubber, fibers, and rubber and fibercombinations (and any combinations thereof). Preferred belts of theinvention may be obtained from Gates, Goodyear and Dayco. The preferredbelt is a Gates Tripower CX model as well as other Gates Tripower modelssuch as DX and BX.

Preferably, the belts of the invention comprise teeth, notches, ribs orgrooves that are used to allow the belts to conform and grip to thetree. In a preferred aspect, the belts are positioned such that theteeth, notches, etc. of the belt(s) contact with the tree, although theteeth, notches, etc. may be positioned away from the tree. The teeth,notches, ribs or grooves are preferably uniformly spaced having the samepeak to valley distance, height, and width. Such teeth, ribs, notches orgrooves are preferably used to adjust and lock down or hold the belt toprevent belt slippage. In one example, the teeth, notches, ribs, orgrooves are allowed to interlock or mesh to secure or lock the belt inplace (e.g., similar to a zipper). Such interlocking or meshed teeth,notches, ribs, or grooves of the belts may be held in place by anylocking device such as pins, bolts, clamps, vices, springs, and thelike. In another embodiment, the teeth, notches, ribs, grooves of thebelts may be interlocked or meshed with similar teeth, notches, ribs,grooves located in or on a locking device. Such device of the inventionmay be made from any material including metal, plastic, polymers,rubber, etc. The lock down device may also contain a portion of the beltwhich provides the corresponding teeth, notches, grooves, etc. to meshor interlock with the belt. Other ways or devices allowing adjustmentand locking the belts, particularly belts comprising teeth, notches, orgrooves, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In onesuch aspect, the invention provides a slip-lock device which allowsmovement of the belt in one direction in or through the device forexample, to tighten the belt against or around the tree (e.g., the“slip” direction), but prevents movement in the opposite direction(e.g., the “lock” direction). Preferably, the slip-lock device comprisesa release to unlock or allow movement of the belt so that the belt maybe moved in both directions in or through the device. Thus, theslip-lock device allows easy adjustment and locking of the belt lengthduring set up or climbing. For example, the slip-lock device allows beltadjustment in one direction without the need to disengage the lockingelement of the device. Such a feature would be useful for quick set upto engage the stand with the tree or to compensate for tree taper whileclimbing. The slip-lock device may also be used in accordance with theinvention with any one or a number of fastening devices (e.g., belts,chains, bands, cords, straps, cables, rods, blades, bars, ropes andcombinations thereof). In a preferred aspect, flexible fastening devices(e.g., belts, chains, cables, etc.) are used with the slip-lock device.In any case, the present invention offers the significant advantage oflittle or no fastening device or belt slippage and easy adjustment ofthe length of the belt or other fastening devices.

In a preferred aspect, the one or more belts and particularly machinerybelts deliver the characteristics of strength and flexibility. Theteeth, notches, ribs or grooves provide improved grip of the trees.Moreover, the belt conforms to the contours of the tree and can providea 360-degree grip around the tree's girth or diameter. The belts arepreferably stiff to maintain angle and thus prevent it from sagging ordropping. However, the belts are preferably flexible enough to enablebending in any direction thus providing easy movement over or aroundlimbs or forks in trees. The belt easily will conform to small or verylarge trees that were before impossible to climb with traditionalstands. Belts used in the invention are preferably light weight and canbe coiled or wound up in a tight roll for storage on the stand or duringtransport of the stand. The light weight and flexibility of the beltsenables construction of light weight and compact tree stands which maybe handled or carried easily. Although belts typically will be flatblack in color, they can be painted or camouflaged to aid inconcealment. Belts for use in the invention are preferably designed forindustrial specifications on moving machinery, and thus are extremelydurable. Preferred belts include any belts designed to be used withmotors that run blowers, fans, pumps, and many other types of industrialequipment. Such belts will be resistant to heat and withstandsignificant torque. Such belts also are resistant to severe weatherconditions, stress and fatigue and have a long usable life typicallylasting years without failure. Preferred belts are made with a varietyof strands, fibers, metal filaments and/or wires embedded in rubber oran equivalent compound or polymer. In a related aspect, the multiplebelt design (preferably two or more belts) offers additional advantagesover other styles of tree stands. Such designs again offer light weightbut the additional belts provide added strength and support. Theadditional belts also offer the added advantages of being able to climbpast obstacles such as limbs or forks in trees. In any case, theinvention avoids the need for bulky metal tubular extensions thusallowing for compact and light weight design, although tubularextensions may be used in combination with the belts of the invention.However, one belt is all that is needed to successfully attach the standto the tree. Thus, the second belt may be used only when needed to movearound or past obstacles or may be used as a spare. In addition, for thehunter, one or both belts could be used to help in dragging large gamesuch as deer.

The simplicity of the belt grip design and/or the multiple grip designof the invention may reduce greatly the cost and time of manufacturingthese stands. For the individual hunter, photographer or wildlifeobserver, this would prove to be a quality climbing tree stand thatwould be one of the lightest, most versatile, and easiest trees standsto use. Placement on the tree and climbing are made simple and easy.Moreover, it would be extremely safe because of the great strength ofone or a combination of belts or other holding devices (chains, straps,cables, etc.). In a preferred aspect, the teeth, notches, grooves, etc.and flexible design of the belt provides the maximum gripping power byconforming to the tree up to 360-degrees (preferably 270-degrees) withone belt and approximately 720-degrees (preferably 540-degrees) whenboth belts are used. Moreover, these belts do not harm trees, leaving nodamage to the bark. This is a big advantage in areas such as wildlifemanagement zones that prohibit tree stands that use blades or spikeswhich have been proven to inflict damage to trees. Moreover, the beltscan be used quietly to climb trees and can be quietly transportedbecause the belt produces a very soft and natural sound when struckagainst another object. This in itself will prevent animals from beingalerted to the presence of an individual by unnatural sounds.

The preferred belts of the invention having uniform teeth, notches,grooves, etc. provide one of the simplest yet effective methods ofadjusting belt length to achieve proper angle and length. The beltsteeth, notches or grooves allow small adjustments in belt length andbelt locking. Typically 4 to 8, 8 to 12, 8 to 15, 15 to 20, 15 to 30, 15to 35 or more sets of teeth, notches, grooves, etc. depending on thesize and spacing of the teeth, grooves, etc. are used in the lockingdevice of the invention. However, the number of teeth, grooves, etc.used may vary depending on the type, size and shape of the belt and itsgrove, teeth, etc. In a preferred aspect, the teeth, grooves, or notchesare meshed together with the pressure being distributed evenly acrossthe belt, keeping the teeth, grooves, etc. meshed together. In anotherpreferred aspect, the locking device includes a safety feature thatkeeps the mechanical belt lock design from releasing. In another aspect,the locking device includes a theft proof lock such as a combinationlock or key lock. Without being limited, the invention allows the forceto be distributed across the teeth, grooves, notches, etc. and thusprovides a strong interlocking of the teeth, notches, etc. so thatseparating interlocked teeth, grooves, etc. could require significantforce similar to someone trying to pull a threaded screw out of a pieceof wood. Another example of this teeth-meshing design would be anordinary bolt and nut. When these two items are threaded together, theycan not be separated unless the threads are disengaged by either turningthe bolt or the nut away from each other.

The belts and locking devices for the invention may also be adapted tomaking one or more step(s) for climbing a tree or structure. In suchaspect, the belt and locking device provides an anchor point for a footrest and/or hand grip. The rest or grip may be part of or made from thebelt and/or locking device. Alternatively, the foot rest or hand gripmay comprise a support structure which is attached to the belt and/orlocking device. In practice, by positioning the steps of the inventionat different positions and elevations on the tree or pole structure(preferably at alternating positions at different elevations of the treeor pole), the invention provides a ladder for climbing the structure ofinterest. In one aspect, a loop in the belt provides the grip or restwhile in another aspect, the locking device comprises a support for useas a grip or rest. In a related aspect, the climbing step may compriseany number of fastening devices (e.g., belts, chains, cables, pipes,rods, cords, blades, straps, bands, ropes or combinations thereof) andat least one locking device for locking, engaging or attaching thefastening device around the tree or pole. In a preferred aspect, theclimbing step uses at least one slip-lock locking device to facilitateattachment and release of the step from the tree or other structureand/or at least one flexible fastening device (e.g., belts, chains,cables, etc.).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, preferredembodiments of the invention will be described by way of examples withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing of a tree stand and climbing device shownon a tree which exhibits a large diameter, a fork, and limbs on whichsuch embodiments are attached.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one example of the main embodiment showinga platform with optional foot straps and one belt attaching the platformto the tree with the optional second belt disconnected.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of FIG. 2 with both belts connected tothe tree.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation detail of the angle arm and belt guide inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a different design of the main standembodiment with a triangular style attached seat.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the same embodiment as in FIG. 5 showingseat design in a folded position.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of FIG. 5 attached to a tree with triangularseat extended.

FIG. 8a is a side view which shows one style of a mechanical lock downdevice that is used to clamp the belt embodiment to the frame orplatform. The design is shown in the open position allowing the beltembodiment to slide to the desired length. This design may be calledslide and lock.

FIG. 8b shows the same design of the mechanical lock down device in FIG.8a in a closed or locked down position.

FIG. 9a is a side view which shows another embodiment for locking thebelts together. This design may be called loop and lock design.

FIG. 9b shows the same design as in FIG. 9a in which the mechanical lockdown device is closed or locked.

FIG. 10a is a side view which shows a similar lock down device as shownin FIGS. 9a and 9 b which uses a opened channel bar as a clamp downdevice.

FIG. 10b shows the same embodiment as in FIG. 10a with belt teethdisengaged.

FIG. 11a is a top plan view of the open channel bar embodiment as shownin FIGS. 10a and 10 b.

FIG. 11b is a front view of the open channel bar embodiment shown inFIG. 11a.

FIG. 11c is a side view of the open channel bar embodiment shown in FIG.11b.

FIG. 12a shows a top plan view of a design for a hand climber using onebelt for attaching the climber to the tree.

FIG. 12b shows a side view elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12ausing two belts to connect the climber to the tree.

FIG. 12c shows a top plan view of the same embodiment shown in FIGS. 12aand 12 b showing both types of belt grips.

FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of a hand climber comprising a differentsingle belt grip design. The belt is shown folded in compact formallowing easy transport and storage.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of a hand climbercomprising a seat and a dual belt design.

FIG. 15a shows a side elevation of the same embodiment of a single beltdesign of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15b shows a side elevation of an embodiment for a dual belt designof a main platform have the dual belt design of the hand climber of FIG.14.

FIG. 16 shows a top plan view of same embodiment shown in FIG. 13attached to a tree.

FIG. 17 shows a side elevation view of a stand and climber combinationwith a dual belt design with belt adjustment and lockdown assemblyinvolving adjustable pulley and tri-pin lock assembly.

FIG. 18 is a side drawing view design of a single pulley, T-stylehandle, allen wrench adjustment design, with lock pin assembly.

FIG. 19 shows a side view elevation of the stand and climber combinationin FIG. 17 with climber section extended.

FIG. 20 shows a front view elevation of the same design as in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows a dual design of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 shows a fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 18.

FIG. 23 shows a topside drawing of a hand climber design which uses thebelt loop as a stop point.

FIG. 23a shows a detail of the left side of FIG. 23.

FIG. 23b shows a detail of the right side of FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 shows a top plan view of a simple climbing device whichcomprises a belt attached to a tree with seating arrangement attached.

FIG. 25a shows a top view plan of another belt locking and adjustmentfeature, which may be designed a slip and lock design or slip-lockdevice.

FIG. 25b shows a side view plan drawing of the slip and lock designshown in FIG. 25a.

FIG. 25c shows a fragmentary side view of the slip and lock device inthe locked position.

FIG. 26a shows a top view of a belt arrangement that demonstrates twoloop and lock design features, along with a reversal of belt design toenable a tight hold.

FIG. 26b features another top view of a belt arrangement, whichdemonstrates a locking concept utilizing a loop and lock and a slip andlock design.

FIG. 26c shows two belt configurations attached to a tree or pole. Theupper belt configuration depicts a combination of a loop and lock designand slip and lock design (FIG. 26b). The lower configuration maycomprise a single slip-lock device or two sliplock devices.

FIG. 27a shows a tree or pole with climbing steps comprising at leastone belt and at least one locking device. The steps are shown in aladder configuration which provides a means to climb a pole or tree.

FIG. 27b shows a detailed side view of the same step attachment shown inFIG. 27a (left) and a front view of the same design (right).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a climbing tree stand 20 and hand climbing device 120 oflike nature placed on a large tree 11 which exhibits a large basediameter, forked main branches 13, and numerous limbs 14. FIG. 1represents an actual condition that would occur in hunting, observation,or wildlife photography, where a large tree with limbs could be climbedwith the multi-belt tree stands of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an tree stand 20 attached to a tree 11 with the use of onebelt 21 which is connected to the platform 210 by one or preferably morelocking devices such as the loop and lock device 23. The belt 21 ispreferably positioned at an angle relative to the platform 210 usingbelt guide 26 to efficiently attach the platform to the tree 11. Thebelt guides 26 may be connected by a supporting structure 28 to keep theangle arms/belt guides in a fixed position as the belts are used toattach the platform 210 to the tree 11. Belt angle relative to theplatform may also be maintained by using supports (e.g., rods, tubularbars, bars, pipes, etc.) which extend from the platform at a desiredangle toward the tree to which the belt of the invention may beattached. The platform 210 comprises at least one contact point 56 wherethe platform contacts the tree 11. Such contact point may be made of anystructure or material which allows the platform to contact the tree 11with little or no slippage such as blades, spikes, rubber, etc.,although such contact point 56 preferably comprises one or more belts ofthe invention. The contact point may be any shape such as semi-circle,oval or angled to maximize contact with the tree. FIG. 2 shows the useof portions of a belt having uniform teeth as the contact point 56.Preferably the contact point 56 is formed by two angled supports 27 tominimize slippage between the platform 210 and the tree 11. A secondbelt 22 may optionally be used as is belt 21 for attaching the platform210 to tree 11. The platform frame of FIG. 2 preferably consists of1-inch hollow square aluminum metal or other tubular bars or rods and isarranged to provide a secure and stable platform, although otherplatforms may be used which are constructed from various materials orcombinations of materials (e.g., wood, plastic or other polymers, metalsor metal composites, fiber or fiber composites, etc.), in variousconfigurations (e.g., solid base structure, frame base structure, cagebase structure, etc.), and in various sizes and shapes depending on theneed. Other designs shown with a frame made of 1-inch square aluminumcan be seen at least in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. However, the size and shapeof the aluminum or other metal in the frame may vary depending on theneed. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 15, and 17 show the use of twoindustrial belts 21 and 22 which provide the gripping concept for suchembodiments. The belts 21 and 22 are preferably comprised of uniformteeth, which provide maximum grip and enable an easy adjustment and beltlockdown systems.

The locking device used in any of the embodiments may include loop andlock design (FIGS. 9 and 10), the slide and lock design (FIG. 8), thepulley lock design (FIGS. 18, 21, 22), the slip-lock design (FIG. 25) orany other design to allow adjustment of belt length and for locking thebelt in place when the desired length is achieved. The loop and lockdesign (FIGS. 9 and 10) allows the belts to be looped around acylindrical rod 91, which is preferably surrounded by a pulley or roller92. This roller allows the belt to slide with ease around thecylindrical rod, when adjustment is to be made. Only one belt istypically undone at a time when needed. This is done to adjust the anglemaneuvering around limbs or adjusting to fit tree girth. Leaving onebelt fastened all of the time ensures safety while adjusting belts. FIG.9a shows the belt mechanical lock down device 52 in an unlocked statewhere lever handle 52 a pivots at point 52 b on bar 52 f and while inthe open position releases pressure allowing the engaged teeth 93 of thebelt to disengage or allows the belt to move through the bar 52 f. Whenthis lever is closed as shown in FIG. 9b, the pin or lock hole 52 d isaligned with the hole 52 e allowing for a safety lock pin to beinserted. In the closed position, the teeth mesh together or engage 93as shown in FIG. 9b and prevent the belt from moving. Another embodimentof the loop and lock design (FIG. 10) incorporates an open faced, squarebar preferably constructed of metal although any other material may beused such as plastic or other polymer, composite material and the like.The open channel of the bar allows it to fit snuggly over the beltsmeshed together. FIG. 10a shows a bar lock down device 23 where belt 21is looped around the optional cylindrical rod 91 and roller or pulley 92in a locked-in position with pins 101 engaged such that the teeth of thebelt 21 are engaged. 10 b shows the belt in an unlatched position. FIG.11 shows the open bar lock down device 23 with pins 101 without thebelts. FIG. 8a shows a slide and lock down device 51 in the unlockedposition where the lever handle 51 a pivots at point 51 b such that theteeth of the belt 21 and the corresponding teeth of the locking device84 are disengaged. The teeth 84 of the locking device may be formed orcarved into the device (such as a machined piece of metal 51 c (e.g.,aluminum), plastic or other material) or may be constructed from aportion of a belt having corresponding teeth. In the locked position(FIG. 8b), the hole 51 d aligns with hole 51 e so that a safety pin canbe inserted. In the closed position, the teeth 81/82 of the belt 21engage the teeth 84 of the device 51. When lock pinhole 51 d and 52 e or52 d and 52 e (FIGS. 8 and 9) are aligned, a safety lock pin is insertedor a lock can be used to prevent theft of the stand if left on the tree.The pins 101 (FIGS. 10 and 11) may also be replaced with one or morelocks if desired. Lock pins or locks allow the locking device tomaintain constant pressure distribution across the belt teeth and thusprevents belt slippage and maintains attachment of the stand or climberto the tree. Generally, an anti-theft lock(s) (e.g., key or combinationlock) can be used in combination with any of the locking devices of theinvention to prevent theft of the stand or steps of the invention, thusallowing an individual to leave the device in place for an extendedtime. FIGS. 18, 21 and 22 show the pulley lock design which comprisesgenerally a shaft 183 connecting a handle 181 and a belt engaging rod,gear or pulley 186, which may comprise teeth, grooves, etc. to conformto the belt used. Such pulley design may further comprise one or morelocking pins 182 (preferably evenly spaced if two or more) whichallowing locking of the rod, gear or pulley 186 by turning the handle181. Such locking pins 182 are preferably mounted on a plate 187. In apreferred aspect, the shaft 183 may slide (by pulling/pushing thehandle) allowing the pins to engage or disengage the pin holes 184 a and184 b. Alternatively, the pins 182 may slide along the shaft 183 toengage or disengage the pin holes 184 a and 184 b. Preferably, the rod,gear or pulley 186 comprises teeth, grooves, etc. corresponding to theteeth, grooves, etc. on the belt. In another aspect, bushings 188 a and188 b allow the shaft 183 to turn freely. In another aspect, the lockingdevice may be designed in a multiple device format as shown in FIG. 21.In such multi-locking device format, multiple belts can be used andadjusted in the stand of the invention such as shown in FIG. 17. In thelock down devices of the invention, approximately 3 to 20 sets of teethare preferably used to prevent slippage although any number of teeth maybe engaged depending on the type of teeth, grooves, etc. and dependingon the type of belts used.

Referring to the belts 21 and 22, these belts are preferably designedfor industrial applications requiring great strength and endurance. Thebelts are flexible, quiet, light and provide the improved gripping ofthe structure (e.g. tree) to be climbed. In a preferred aspect, belts 21and 22 are made of high strength rubber compounds, inner lined withstrands of various materials, fibers, and/or stands of metal wiringwhich strengthen the belt. The teeth 81 and 82 (FIG. 8b) preferably formpeaks and valleys of uniform size which allow the belt to be firmlylocked by a locking device. When the belt is not meshed in lockingdevice 23, 51, or 52 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10), the valleys allow for thebelts to bend and flex with ease allowing them to move around andprovide easy adjustment. This flexibility of belts 21 and 22 also allowsthe belts to conform to the surface diameter of the tree, thus providingmaximum gripping power for trees with unusual shaped trunks. Two beltsallow the user to move around limbs, forked trees, etc. According to theinvention, the teeth, groves, etc. of the belt may face and contact thetree or may face away from and not directly contact the tree.

FIG. 7 shows an application of the invention to move past or over anobstacle such as a branch or limb 14. In such application, belt 21 beinguncoupled is placed over the limb and then reconnected to a lockingdevice 23. Belt 22 may then be disengaged from its locking device 51 andmoved above branch or limb 14. The procedure is reversed when descendingthe tree. In more detail, FIG. 7 shows a stand 50 comprising two belts21 and 22 with a triangular seat 55 attached to the platform 510 bysupports 58. The supports 58 may pivot at points 59 allowing the seat 55to move into a folded position. The stand 50 also comprises lockingdevices 51 and 23 for adjusting and locking the belts 21 and 22. Thestand 50 is shown attached to a tree 11. FIG. 5 shows the top view ofthe stand in FIG. 7 having a platform 510, two belts 21 and 22 forattaching the stand 50 to tree 11. The platform comprises lockingdevices 51, 52 and 23 and a seat 55. FIG. 6 shows the seat in the foldedposition on the platform 510.

The triangular seat 55 provides maximum comfort allowing no pressurepoints to be in contact with the individual and distributes weightevenly. The seat flap is connected to short rods 511 in FIG. 6. Theextension arms 26 f and belt guides 26 that are located in the rear ofthe stand having pivot points 59 which are connected by a support rod 28provide support extensions for the seat 55. The center extendableportion 54 having pivot point 59 provides the third support extensionfor the seat 55. In function, the support extensions fold up andcompletes the seat triangle arrangement. Spring loaded buttons 58 (FIG.6) allows adjustment of the length of the supports 26 f and 54 and willlock the height of the seat and give an adjustment means to aid inselecting the most comfortable sitting arrangement. The back of thestand 56 serves as the contact point for the tree.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment for maintaining the angle of the beltrelative to the stand platform 210. The belts 21 and 22 are threadingthrough belt guides 26, which are on extended arms 26 f (e.g. anglearms) preferably made of aluminum square tubing. These angle arms 26 fand guides 26 are preferably mounted to the stand platform and maintainthe angle between the stand platform and the belts extended around thetree. This angle 31 can be measured as shown in FIG. 3. Varying thelength of the angle arm will vary the angle 31. Preferably, the angle 31ranges from about 5 to 75 degrees and most preferably about 20 to 60degrees. The optimum angle can readily be determined by those skilled inthe art and will depend on the distance of the belt from the platform tothe tree. A detail is shown of an angle arm 26 f and guides 26 in FIG. 4in which the angle arm 26 f is allowed to pivot at two points 26 a and26 c. Pivot point 26 a allows the arm to be folded flat against thestand for storage or transport, while 26 c allows the upper extension 26e that contains the belt guides 26 to flex inward or outward to allowthe belt to better conform to the tree and maximize belt gripping at thesides of the tree. A supporting structure or rod 28 may connect two ofthe angle arms 26 f located on each side of the platform to provideadded support and allows the angle arms to be moved in unison at pivotpoint 26 a. An example of angle arms 26 f and guides 26 is shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. In another aspect, the angle arm is fixed in place (e.g.,welded firmly) but preferably has one or more pivot points that wouldallow it to fold or move in various directions. In another style ofangle arm, the angle arms are located near the center of the platform,(see FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16) rather that at or near the sides of theplatform (see FIGS. 2 and 12). Thus the angle arms 133 being nearer tothe center of tree allows about 360-degree belt wrap as shown in FIGS.14 and 16. Such center positioned angle arms may also contain a pivotpoint 134 for storage and transport as shown in FIG. 13 where the singlebelt 21 is folded flat. The pivot point 134 allows angle arms 133 tofold flat against the frame 1310 (compare FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16).

FIG. 12 shows various hand climbers of the invention in both single(FIG. 12a) and double belt (FIGS. 12b and c) designs. In FIG. 12a,locking devices 23 and 51 allow adjustment and locking of belt 21 aroundthe tree for attachment of the climbing device 120 to the tree. Anglearm or belt guide 26 allows appropriate angle of the belt for efficientattachment of the climber 120 to the tree. Handles 122 allows theindividual to grip the climber when ascending or descending the tree.FIG. 12b shows a side view of the dual belt climber attached to a tree11 having lateral supports 1210 for attaching the belts with lockingdevice 23. FIG. 12c shows the hand-climbing device with both belts 21and 22 attached to tree. Belt 21 in FIG. 12c is extended from one side,extending around the backside of the tree and connected on oppositeside. Belt 22 is extended from the inside, wraps 360-degrees around thetree and attaches to the opposite side. Other figures referring to this360-degree-belt concept include 14, 15 a, 15 b, and 16. FIG. 14demonstrates a combination of the two different belt attachments. Thisprovides close to 540-degrees of total belt attachment around thecircumference of the tree, thereby providing maximum safety and grippingpower.

FIG. 13 shows a climber in compact form (angle arms 133 folded at pivotpoint 134) while FIG. 16 shows the same climber attached to a tree bybelt 21. These embodiments comprise a seat 132 attached to the lateralsupports 1310 by four connections 131 (e.g., metal cables). Angled bars27 and portions of belts 56 comprise the platform contact point for thetree. Supports 135 a and 135 b on the angle arms 133 connect to thelateral supports 1310 which allows a stable and secure embodiment whileattached to the tree and when weight is applied. Such supports are alsoshown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 shows a two belt design climber attached to structure 11 withcenter angle arms 133 having locking devices 23 to lock belt 21 andsupports 135 a and 135 b to support the angle arms. The angle arms 133also comprise a pivot point 134. The climber also comprises a seat 132with connections 131 to connect seat 131 to lateral supports 1310.Additional locking devices 23 are located on lateral supports 1310 tolock belt 22.

FIG. 15a shows the side view of a single belt design climber similar tothe double belt design climber of FIG. 14. The single belt climber hascenter angle arms 133, a pivot point 134 and a seat 132 connected to theclimber by connections 131. FIG. 15b shows a double belt design treestand (without seat) similar to the configuration of the climber shownin FIG. 14. Belt 21 is attached to center angle arm 133 and belt 22 isattached to platform 1310 by locking device 23 having a loop and lockdesign (91 and 92) as shown in FIGS. 9 or 10.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the stand of the invention having aplatform 210 which is attached to a tree 11 by belts 21 and 22. Thisembodiment also shows the belt guide 26 and which may pivot at point 26a. The stand in FIG. 3 also shows a locking device 23 allowingadjustment to belts 21 and 22.

FIGS. 17, 19 and 20 show the features of a climber and stand incombination. The device in FIG. 17 shows a main platform 1710 having adual system locking device with handles 181 and a climber with lateralsupports 173 (which may serve as a seat) and a seat back 172. Thelateral supports 173 also comprise a dual system locking device. Theclimber and stand platform are connected by adjustable sliding supports193 and 194 which may pivot at rod 192 and point 196 (see FIGS. 19 and20). The climber and stand combination may also comprise an additionalconnecting support 171. In operation, the climber and stand operatetogether as one unit. An optional safety lockdown belt 197 may also beprovided.

FIG. 23 shows a simple style hand climber 230 in which the belt materialis threaded through a square channel of one inch or equivalent aluminum.The locking means are shown in detail in FIG. 23a and FIG. 23b. The belt21 is bent 233, meshed together 234 with its uniform teeth and thenreinserted into the channel of aluminum 2310. The radius or bend 233 islarger and will not pass through the channel. This allows a safe methodof securing the belt. FIG. 23b demonstrates how a pin or other objects232 and an additional channel 231 can be inserted between the two belts.This forms an increased bulge area of the belts and thus allows theindividual to adjust belt length easily and safely. A small channel ofsquare aluminum can be used to slide up behind the object thus securingit in place. Adjusting the belt length is then done by removing the pin,adjusting the belt either forward or backward and then reinserting thepin or object between the belts. This, in turn, creates a larger areathat is unable to pass through the square aluminum channel 2310. A treestand main platform could also be designed using this belt-lockingconcept.

FIG. 24 refers to a simple climbing device concept 240. This climber maybe used in combination along with a main climbing stand; an example of amain climbing stand of such nature can be seen in FIG. 2. The climbingdevice 240 consists of a single belt 21, one open channel locking device23 with locking pins 101 positioned such that the belt may be adjustedand locked into position around the tree 11. Two optional lockingdevices 23 located at or near the ends of the belt 21 allow adjustmentof the length of the belt 21 to adjust the position of the seat 241which is attached to the belt 21. In another aspect, the seat 241 may beremoved from the climbing device 240 such that the climbing device 240comprises at least one belt 21 and at least one locking device 23. Inthe use of the climbing device 240 an individual would first place thebelt 21 around the tree 11. Secondly, the locking device 23 would beplaced and secured with pins 101. The placement of the locking device 23would allow the individual to adjust forward or backward to provide asecure hold around the tree 11. Next the two locking devices 23 that areconnected to the seating arrangement 241 are connected to belt 21. Eachend of the belt 21 is secured to locking devices 23 by the belt loops233. The belt loops 233 that are formed, are larger than channels of thelocking devices 23 thus providing a secure hold when weight is applieddownward from the individual. This loop locking design concept isexplained in detail in reference back to FIG. 23. The seat 241 and/orthe ends of the belt support the weight of the individual whileclimbing.

FIG. 25 shows an additional locking device called the slip-lock device250. The slip-lock design allows free movement of the belt 21 in onedirection (the slip direction) while preventing movement of the belt inthe opposite direction through the device (the lock direction). Theslip-lock device 250 features a lever pivot point 251, a lever 255, anda spring arrangement 252 which maintains the one or move lever contactpoints 253 at a position such that the contact points engages the beltand preferably engages one or more of the notches, grooves, teeth, ribs,etc. of the belt 21. Thus, the lever may have a single or multiplecontact points to engage the belt. An extension of the lever contactpoint 253 may also serve as a button or pressure point to disengage thecontact points from the belt by depressing or putting pressure on theextension. An extension on the lever 255 may also serve the samepurpose. A grove or slot 254 in the slip-lock device 250 provides atrack for the lever extension to follow when depressed. The contactpoints may comprise two or more teeth, grooves, etc. corresponding tothe teeth, grooves, etc. of the belt 21. Such teeth, grooves, etc.forming the contact points may be made from any material or may beconstructed from a portion of a belt having teeth, grooves, etc. Thespring arrangement 252 maintains pressure on the lever 255 so that thecontact point(s) 253 lock into the belt's teeth, grooves, notches, etc.This arrangement allows the belt 21 to be inserted and move freely in afirst direction in or through the device 250. Movement in the opposite(or second) direction in or through the device 250 is prevented becausethe lever 251 and contact point(s) 253 clamp or wedge the belt 21against the inside wall of the device 250 opposite the contact point(s)253. The slip-lock device 250 can easily be disengaged to allow freemovement of the belt in both the first and second directions by applyingpressure on the extended lever or extended contact point(s). The grooveor slot 254 allows the extension to be moved in a downward position,thus disengaging the contact points from the belt. This locking conceptcan in accordance with the invention be used with other fasteningdevices such as chains, cables, bands, straps, ropes, rods, bars,blades, etc., although the use of fastening devices having teeth,notches, grooves, etc. for engaging the contact point(s) are preferred.Other locking concepts having a slip-lock function for use with theinvention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 26 shows various methods for attaching a belt to a tree or poletype structure using combinations of locking devices with different beltpositioning. In one aspect, the flat portion of the belt is positionedto contact the tree or pole like structure while in another aspect, theteeth, notches, etc. of the belt are positioned to contact the tree orpole structure. FIG. 26a utilizes two loop and lock locking devices 23with cylindrical rod 91 and loop 133. In this embodiment, thecylindrical rod 91 of one locking device is fastened to the otherlocking device. The belt 21 encircles a tree or pole with the teeth,notches or grooves of the belt facing outward or away from the tree orpole. This belt position allows the belt 21 to be easily threaded aroundthe cylindrical rod 91, thus providing a means to tighten and secure thebelt to a tree or pole like structure. FIG. 26b depicts the use of twolocking devices, a loop and lock device 23 and a slip-lock device 250.The belt 21 is positioned so that the teeth, grooves, etc. face orcontact the tree or pole structure. The belt 21 is attached byencircling the tree or pole and inserting the belt 21 into the slip-lockdevice 250. The length of the belt 21 may then be adjusted by pullingthe belt 21 through the slip-lock device 250 in the “slip” direction.This allows the belt 21 to be pulled and locked tight around the tree orpole like structure. FIG. 26c shows the belt locking concept of FIG. 26battached to a tree or pole like structure (top) and another lockingconcept (bottom) which uses at least one slip-lock device 250. Whenusing a single slip-lock device, one end of the belt can be fastened toa portion of the slip-lock device 250 while the other end of the belt isinserted through the device in the “slip” direction to allow adjustmentof the belt length. If two slip-lock devices are used, one end of thebelt is inserted through the first slip-lock device and the second endof the belt is inserted through the second slip-lock device. In thisaspect, belt adjustment may be accomplished by pulling either or bothends of the belt in the “slip” direction.

FIG. 27 shows portable steps 270, attached to a tree or pole likestructure 11. The step(s) comprise at least one fastening device (suchas cables, belts, chains, ropes, straps, bands, etc.) and at least onelocking device for fastening, fixing or engaging the fastening device tothe tree or pole structure. The step 270 preferably uses a least onebelt 21 (which preferably has teeth, notches, grooves, etc.). The steppreferably comprises a structure which may be used as a foot rest and/orhand grip for climbing. Such structure may be made from the belt orfastening device (for example by making a loop in the belt) or may beattached to the belt or the locking device. FIG. 27a shows the steps atdifferent elevations on opposite sides of the tree or pole to form aladder for climbing. FIG. 27b shows a locking device 272 (similar to theopen channel locking device in FIGS. 11, 23 and 24), a hand grip/footrest structure 275 having a foot rest and/or hand grip 273 and a lockingdevice 271 (similar to the channel locking device) for locking orattaching the foot rest/hand grip structure 275 to the belt 21. Loop 233of the channel lock design holds the foot rest/hand grip structure 275in place. In accordance with the invention, any locking device may beused to facilitate attachment of the fastening device of the step (e.g.,the belt of the step) to the tree or pole structure. For example, theslide and lock design (FIG. 8), the channel lock design (FIGS. 11 and23) and the slip-lock design (FIG. 25) allows attachment of the belt tothe tree without the need to disengage the hand grip/foot rest structure275. Thus, the step of the invention may comprise a belt or otherfastening structure and at least one hand grip/foot rest structurepreferably fastened at or near at least one end of the belt or fasteningdevice. The other end of the belt or fastening structure may then beused to encircle the tree or pole structure and the locking device canthen be used to lock the belt or fastening device around the tree. If aslip-lock device is used, the belt or fastening device may be placedaround the tree and the end may be pulled through the slip-lock devicein the “slip” direction to tighten the belt or fastening device aroundthe tree or pole. This allows quick and easy placement of the steps ofthe invention. Thus the steps of the invention can be placed on the treeor pole structure at various positions and elevations while climbing,using the previously placed steps to support the individual whileadditional steps are added.

Although the present invention and various designs stated of such saidinvention have been described with reference to the preferredembodiments; modifications or variations using any of the designconcepts of the preferred embodiments will still enable the results tofall within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect tothe specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should beinferred.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled inthe art to which this invention pertains, and are herein incorporated byreference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patentor patent application was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tree stand comprising a platform having atleast one belt for attaching said tree stand to a desired structure,said at least one belt attached to said platform at a first position andat least one locking device which engages said belt in a manner tomechanically retain said belt in a fixed position, said locking deviceattached to said platform at a second position, wherein said beltcomprises a plurality of teeth spaced along the length of said belt andpositioned substantially perpendicular to the length of said belt. 2.The tree stand of claim 1, wherein said platform comprises at least twoof said belts.
 3. The tree stand of claim 1, which further comprises aseat.
 4. The tree stand of claim 3, wherein said seat is a triangularseat.
 5. The tree stand of claim 1, which further comprises one or morefoot straps attached to said platform.
 6. The tree stand of claim 1,wherein said platform is portable.
 7. The tree stand of claim 1, whichfurther comprises a climbing device.
 8. The tree stand of claim 7,wherein said climbing device is connected to or separate from saidplatform.
 9. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein said platform comprisesat least a second locking device.
 10. The tree stand of claim 1, whereinwhen said locking device is in an unlocked position, said locking deviceallows adjustment of belt length of said at least one belt.
 11. The treestand of claim 1, wherein when said locking device is in a lockedposition, said locking device prevents adjustment of belt length of saidat least one belt.
 12. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein said at leastone belt comprises rubber.
 13. The tree stand of claim 12, wherein saidat least one belt further comprises threads, fiber, or metal wires. 14.The tree stand of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said teeth are used tolock said at least one belt in said locking device.
 15. The tree standof claim 1, wherein said locking device comprises a plurality of teeth.16. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein when said locking device is in alocked position, a plurality of said teeth of said at least one belt anda plurality of said teeth of said locking device mesh.
 17. The treestand of claim 15, wherein when said locking device is in an unlockedposition, a plurality of said teeth of said at least one belt and aplurality of said teeth of said locking device do not mesh.
 18. The treestand of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said teeth of said at least onebelt have the same height and width.
 19. The tree stand of claim 1,wherein a plurality of said teeth of said at least one belt areuniformly spaced along said belt.
 20. The tree stand of claim 1, whereinwhen said locking device is in a locked position, said locking deviceallows a plurality of teeth of said at least one belt to mesh.
 21. Thetree stand of claim 1, wherein when said locking device is in anunlocked position, said locking device allows a plurality of teeth ofsaid at least one belt not to mesh.
 22. The tree stand of claim 1,wherein said locking device allows movement of said at least one belt ina first direction and prevents movement of said at least one belt in asecond direction.
 23. A tree stand comprising a unitary platform havingat least two belts for attaching said tree stand to a desired structure,said at least two belts attached to said platform in at least a firstposition and at least one locking device which engages at least one ofsaid belts in a manner to mechanically retain at least one of said beltsin a fixed position, said locking device attached to said platform in atleast a second position, wherein said belts comprise a plurality ofteeth spaced along the length of said belts and positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the length of said belts.
 24. The tree stand of claim23, wherein when said at least one locking device is in an unlockedposition, said at least one locking device allows adjustment of beltlength of said at least one belt.
 25. The tree stand of claim 23,wherein when said at least one locking device is in a locked position,said at least one locking device prevents adjustment of belt length ofsaid at least one belt.
 26. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein said atleast two belts comprise rubber.
 27. The tree stand of claim 26, whereinsaid at least two belts further comprise threads, fiber, or metal wires.28. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein a plurality of said teeth areused to lock at least one of said belts in said at least one lockingdevice.
 29. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein said al least onelocking device comprises a plurality of teeth.
 30. The tree stand ofclaim 29, wherein when said at least one locking device is in a lockedposition, a plurality of said teeth of at least one of said belts and aplurality of said teeth of said at least one locking device mesh. 31.The tree stand of claim 29, wherein when said at least one lockingdevice is in an unlocked position, a plurality of said teeth of at leastone of said belts and a plurality of said teeth of said at least onelocking device do not mesh.
 32. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein aplurality of said teeth of said at least two belts are uniformly spacedalong said belts.
 33. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein when said atleast one locking device is in a locked position, said at least onelocking device allows a plurality of teeth of at least one of said beltsto mesh.
 34. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein when said at least onelocking device is in an unlocked position, said at least one lockingdevice allows a plurality of teeth of at least one of said belts not tomesh.
 35. The tree stand of claim 23, wherein said at least one lockingdevice allows movement of at least one of said belts in a firstdirection and prevents movement of said at least one of said belts in asecond direction.
 36. A method for climbing a tree comprising: a)obtaining a unitary platform comprising at least two locking devices andat least two belts, wherein each of said belts comprise a plurality ofteeth and wherein said belts are attached to said platform in at least afirst position; b) attaching said platform to a tree below a limb orfork in said tree with a first of said belts by engaging said belt witha first of said locking devices in a manner to mechanically retain saidbelt in a fixed position, said locking device being attached to saidplatform in at least a second position; c) attaching said second of saidbelts above said limb or fork by engaging said belt with said second ofsaid locking devices attached to said platform in a manner tomechanically retain said belt in a fixed position; and d) removing saidfirst of said belts from said tree.
 37. A method for attaching aplatform to a tree comprising: a) obtaining a platform comprising atleast one belt attached to said platform in a first position and atleast one locking device attached to said platform in a second position,wherein said belt comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein a plurality ofsaid teeth are spaced along the length of said belt and positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the length of said belt; b) encirclingsaid tree with said at least one belt; c) adjusting the length of saidbelt so as to attach said platform to said tree; and d) engaging saidbelt with said locking device in a manner to mechanically retain saidbelt in a fixed position.